Maidenhead United breathed new life into their season with a crucial 3-1 victory over Braintree Town at the Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium. The Magpies made a lightning start, taking the lead inside the first minute. Sam Barratt’s incisive pass found Shawn McCoulsky, who provided a composed finish to slot the ball past the Braintree goalkeeper. Just eight minutes later, Maidenhead doubled their advantage with a goal crafted from the back. Goalkeeper Craig Ross’s long clearance caught the Braintree defence flat-footed, allowing Tristan Abrahams to race through, round the keeper, and make it 2-0. The two early goals left Braintree stunned and facing an uphill battle.
Braintree manager Angelo Harrop sought to change the momentum at half-time, introducing John Akinde to add some much-needed firepower to the attack. The change initially had the desired effect, with the Iron starting the second half with renewed vigour. Their pressure eventually told in the 66th minute. Substitute Kyrell Lisbie, who had only just entered the fray, tapped in from close range following good work from Akinde, giving the home crowd a glimmer of hope.
For a spell, Braintree looked capable of finding an equaliser, but their hopes were extinguished in the 73rd minute. Marley Marshall-Miranda received his second yellow card and was subsequently dismissed, leaving the home side to face the final stages with ten men. Maidenhead wasted little time in capitalising on their numerical advantage. Sam Barratt confidently converted the resulting penalty, restoring the Magpies’ two-goal lead and effectively putting the game beyond Braintree’s reach.
Maidenhead comfortably managed the remainder of the match, utilising their substitutions to see out the victory and preserve their players’ energy. The three points see Maidenhead leapfrog Braintree in the National League table, although both sides remain in the lower reaches, now level on 19 points. The match marked the first meeting between the two clubs in three seasons, and it was Maidenhead who ultimately claimed the spoils.